This Sept. 11, honor military men, women

September 9, 2011|By Ted Deutch

On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, we will honor the memories of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that dreadful day and reflect on the decade of war that followed. It is my hope this solemn milestone also compels us to recognize the tremendous burden endured by our armed forces over these past 10 years.

From the soldiers who dismantled terrorist training camps in Afghanistan to the Special Forces team who killed Osama bin Laden, there is no question our troops have served honorably abroad. With al-Qaida now facing near-extinction, a growing number of our troops are finally coming home. What they find upon arriving is an economy still struggling from a devastating recession.

Despite sophisticated training and skill sets, more than one in five young male veterans are unemployed. Many reservists have lost their old jobs after leaving for war and returning for multiple tours of duty. Veterans also face a jobs market that undervalues military service. In Israel, where military service is mandatory for all citizens, employers are eager to learn about applicants' work in the armed services. Health care companies may see promise in the leaders of rescue missions. Corporations may see project managers in those who excelled under pressure. Security firms may see value in soldiers who secured communities from attacks.

On Saturday, I will be joined by 45 local and national businesses for a veterans jobs fair at the West Palm Beach Armory. Events like this one can serve as models for communities across America ready to serve those who served us. Like all Americans, our troops take great pride in their work. We can honor their sacrifices by helping them launch meaningful careers upon arriving home to the nation they so bravely served.